Steve Finamore, a renowned basketball coach in East Lansing and Okemos, tragically lost his life at 60 on Thursday morning, November 14, 2024.
He was a staff member at Okemos High School and an 8th-grade boys basketball coach.
Highlights
- Sources claimed that Steve Finamore lost his life due to natural causes.
- He helped young athletes to achieve both personal and athletic growth.
- He was married, and his daughter, Taylor, is also passionate about basketball.
Steve Finamore was well-known and respected in the Lansing community. He had a positive impact on both colleagues and students.
He was in his fourth year coaching the basketball team at Chippewa, joining the Okemos High School in 2020.
Previously, he coached eight seasons with the East Lansing basketball program, which had a record of 128-44 and two consecutive CAAC Blue Titles.
Steve had a long and successful career but resigned from the Lansing basketball program at the beginning of 2018 following an argument with a parent.
Bill Feraco, an East Lansing Football Coach, mentioned him as a dear friend, and they communicated with each other every week.
Similarly, he was a Portland High School and Jackson College staff member.
He was a student manager for Tom Izzo at Michigan State University during the Spartans’ 2000 national championship season.
The renowned coach had trained Brandon Jones, Al Horford, and Denzel Valentine.
Steve Finamore Passed Away Due To Natural Cause
Basketball coach Steve Finamore left a legacy that resonates throughout Michigan’s basketball community.
His family hasn’t disclosed his death cause, but 6 News has revealed it as a natural cause. However, some other sources also claimed that he had a car accident.
Steve’s demise news brought an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him.
He contributed to the development of young athletes and helped them achieve personal and athletic growth.
He was a beloved figure in the various schools he worked with because of his approachable style and commitment to his players.
Steve had inspired young athletes beyond the court, fostering qualities of teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience.
He always dreamed of being a sportswriter and said his first book would be a memoir about his life in basketball.
I love sports, obviously, and it’s not as easy as people think it is to write a book. I’m trying, you know, but it’s all about trial and error. There’s about 43 to 44 chapters from when I was growing up as a child in Brooklyn, New York up until about 2020, right before the pandemic.
Steve Finamore had expressed about being a writer.
Furthermore, Steve married Mary Hogan and had a daughter, Taylor Finamore. His daughter is also passionate about basketball like him.
He had never taken a test in high school but Mary pushed him to get his GED and pursue coaching.
Mary was a supportive wife who overcome her husband’s depression when he felt like moving to New York and start working as an iron worker.
Okemos Family Extends Its Deepest Sympathy To Steve Finamore’s Family
Okemos High School teachers read a letter about his passing to students sent by the district state during the fifth hour of class.
They shared the tragic news to have the best conversation with students and family regarding the loss.
Chippewa Athletic Director Andre Ridley, district counselors, and Woofpack facility dogs supported the 8th-grade boys’ basketball team.
The school’s counselors will be available for students or staff who need to speak to them.
The office of the Superintendent asked teachers to inform counselors about students who struggle so they can follow up with them and their families.
They have even disclosed their Counseling Office number, 517-706-4920, for students who need to speak with someone.
Students of OHS received an email with instructions on how to reach out for additional support.
The tragic loss can be challenging to understand, and many feel a variety of emotions, including shock, confusion, and sadness.
Steve’s tragic news greatly impacted the Okemos family, and they continue to support each other and be strong during this difficult time.
Nonetheless, the Okemos Public School family extends its condolence to the coach’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Additional Information
- Steve Finamore always had an old basketball in the back of his car.
- He was once suspended for the CAAC Blue title while in the East Lansing basketball program.
- Although he didn’t coach in 2019, his head and heart were always thinking about basketball.
- He studied other coaches to improve himself before his next coaching job.
